We need to clearly know the difference between the work of God and the work of men.

1
We need to clearly know the difference between
the work of God and the work of men.

• The work of God may appear to fail but we would
  be mistaken. (Mt 2818-20)

2
We need to clearly know the difference between
the work of God and the work of men.

• Matthew 2818-20 (NKJV) - And Jesus came and
  spoke to them, saying, All authority has been
  given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go
  therefore and make disciples of all the nations,
  baptizing them in the name of the Father and of
  the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them
  to observe all things that I have commanded you
  and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of
  the age. Amen.

3
We need to clearly know the difference between
the work of God and the work of men.

• Those who yield their hearts to the authority of
  God and call others to do so will be found in His
  body, the church of Christ. (Eph 122-23)

4
We need to clearly know the difference between
the work of God and the work of men.

• Ephesians 122-23 (NKJV) - And He put all things
  under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all
  things to the church, 23 which is His body, the
  fullness of Him who fills all in all.

5
We need to clearly know the difference between
the work of God and the work of men.

• Anyone acquainted with Bible history or church
  history knows that Gods people have historically
  failed to instill faith in their children.
  (Judges 27, 10-12)

6
We need to clearly know the difference between
the work of God and the work of men.

• Judges 27 (NKJV) - So the people served the
  Lord all the days of Joshua, and all the days of
  the elders who outlived Joshua, who had seen all
  the great works of the Lord which He had done for
  Israel.

7
We need to clearly know the difference between
the work of God and the work of men.

• Judges 210-12 (NKJV) - When all that generation
  had been gathered to their fathers, another
  generation arose after them who did not know the
  Lord nor the work which He had done for Israel.
  11Then the children of Israel did evil in the
  sight of the Lord, and served the Baals

8
We need to clearly know the difference between
the work of God and the work of men.

• 12 and they forsook the Lord God of their
  fathers, who had brought them out of the land of
  Egypt and they followed other gods from among
  the gods of the people who were all around them,
  and they bowed down to them and they provoked
  the Lord to anger.

9
We need to clearly know the difference between
the work of God and the work of men.

• There is one question we must answer Are we
  really following the Lord?

10
We need to clearly know the difference between
the work of God and the work of men.

• We are going to examine the essence of a Biblical
  faith. What does it mean to trust in God?

11
We need to clearly know the difference between
the work of God and the work of men.

• We are going to examine the essence of a Biblical
  faith. What does it mean to trust in God?
• The people of God often turned from God to things
  that cannot save! (Mt 39-10)

12
We need to clearly know the difference between
the work of God and the work of men.

• Matthew 39-10 (NKJV) - and do not think to say
  to yourselves, We have Abraham as our father.
  For I say to you that God is able to raise up
  children to Abraham from these stones. 10 And
  even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees.
  Therefore every tree which does not bear good
  fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.

13
We need to clearly know the difference between
the work of God and the work of men.

• The people of Jeremiahs day were to learn a
  horrible lesson. (Jer 74, 8-11)

14
We need to clearly know the difference between
the work of God and the work of men.

• Jeremiah 74 (NKJV) - Do not trust in these
  lying words, saying, The temple of the Lord, the
  temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord are
  these.

15
We need to clearly know the difference between
the work of God and the work of men.

• Jeremiah 78-11 (NKJV) - Behold, you trust in
  lying words that cannot profit. 9Will you steal,
  murder, commit adultery, swear falsely, burn
  incense to Baal, and walk after other gods whom
  you do not know, 10 and then come and stand
  before Me in this house which is called by My
  name, and say, We are delivered to do all these
  abominations?

16
We need to clearly know the difference between
the work of God and the work of men.

• 11 Has this house, which is called by My name,
  become a den of thieves in your eyes? Behold, I,
  even I, have seen it, says the Lord.

17
We need to clearly know the difference between
the work of God and the work of men.

• Many have done this with the name churches of
  Christ. What really is the
  church of Christ?

18
How I became a member of the church of Christ

• Love for my Lord demanded that I surrender things
  that divide. (Jn 1720-23)

19
How I became a member of the church of Christ

• John 1720-23 (NKJV) - I do not pray for these
  alone, but also for those who will believe in Me
  through their word 21 that they all may be one,
  as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You that
  they also may be one in Us, that the world may
  believe that You sent Me. 22 And the glory which
  You gave Me I have given them, that they may be
  one just as We are one

20
How I became a member of the church of Christ

• 23 I in them, and You in Me that they may be
  made perfect in one, and that the world may know
  that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You
  have loved Me.

21
How I became a member of the church of Christ

• I was raised in a religious body that had good
  sincere people in it.

22
How I became a member of the church of Christ

• I was raised in a religious body that had good
  sincere people in it.
• Why does division exist? What can I possibly do
  as a single individual?

23
How I became a member of the church of Christ

• One of my first challenges came as I examined the
  Lords Supper. (Mt 2626-28)

24
How I became a member of the church of Christ

• Matthew 2626-28 (NKJV) - And as they were
  eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it,
  and gave it to the disciples and said, Take,
  eat this is My body. 27 Then He took the cup,
  and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying,
  Drink from it, all of you. 28 For this is My
  blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many
  for the remission of sins.

25
How I became a member of the church of Christ

• In the Baptist church I never remember partaking
  of it.

26
How I became a member of the church of Christ

• In the Baptist church I never remember partaking
  of it.
• Driving home from Samford University I heard a
  radio sermon on the subject. The early church met
  on the first day of the week! (Acts 207 1 Cor
  161-2)

27
How I became a member of the church of Christ

• Acts 207 (NKJV) - Now on the first day of the
  week, when the disciples came together to break
  bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke
  to them and continued his message until midnight.

28
How I became a member of the church of Christ

• 1 Corinthians 161-2 (NKJV) - Now concerning the
  collection for the saints, as I have given orders
  to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also
  2 On the first day of the week let each one of
  you lay something aside, storing up as he may
  prosper, that there be no collections when I come.

29
How I became a member of the church of Christ

• I tried to imperfectly practice what I had
  learned.

30
How I became a member of the church of Christ

• While attending the University of Alabama I heard
  a basic presentation on how Jesus directed men to
  be saved. (Mk 1615-16)

31
How I became a member of the church of Christ

• Mark 1615-16 (NKJV) - And He said to them, Go
  into all the world and preach the gospel to every
  creature. 16 He who believes and is baptized will
  be saved but he who does not believe will be
  condemned.

32
How I became a member of the church of Christ

• It was important not to base your conclusion on
  just one verse. What did Peter preach? (Acts 238)

33
How I became a member of the church of Christ

• Acts 238 (NKJV) - Then Peter said to them,
  Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in
  the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of
  sins and you shall receive the gift of the Holy
  Spirit.

34
How I became a member of the church of Christ

• As I examined all the verses on this subject, I
  found that whenever baptism and salvation
  (forgiveness of sins) are mentioned together that
  baptism always is placed before salvation. (1 Pt
  320-21)

35
How I became a member of the church of Christ

• 1 Peter 320-21 (NKJV) - who formerly were
  disobedient, when once the Divine longsuffering
  waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was
  being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight
  souls, were saved through water. 21 There is also
  an antitype which now saves usbaptism (not the
  removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer
  of a good conscience toward God), through the
  resurrection of Jesus Christ,

36
How I became a member of the church of Christ

• After studying and asking further questions I
  decided to be baptized into Christ and take a
  stand to be just a Christian. (Acts 191-4)

37
How I became a member of the church of Christ

• Acts 191-4 (NKJV) - And it happened, while
  Apollos was at Corinth, that Paul, having passed
  through the upper regions, came to Ephesus. And
  finding some disciples 2 he said to them, Did
  you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?
  So they said to him, We have not so much as
  heard whether there is a Holy Spirit.

38
How I became a member of the church of Christ

• 3 And he said to them, Into what then were you
  baptized? So they said, Into Johns baptism.4
  Then Paul said, John indeed baptized with a
  baptism of repentance, saying to the people that
  they should believe on Him who would come after
  him, that is, on Christ Jesus.

39
How I became a member of the church of Christ

• Was I right in doing that? The church I
  identified with in 1973 would take a completely
  different view 25 years later. Other churches
  have too.

40
There has been a shift in attitudes towards the
Bible

• Are we willing to believe all good works are
  found in the scriptures? (2 Tim 316-17)

41
There has been a shift in attitudes towards the
Bible

• 2 Timothy 316-17 (NKJV) - All Scripture is
  given by inspiration of God, and is profitable
  for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for
  instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of
  God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for
  every good work.

42
There has been a shift in attitudes towards the
Bible

• In the 50s and 60s these things were
  universally preached by brethren. However
  I believe there were serious inconsistencies in
  their application.

43
There has been a shift in attitudes towards the
Bible

• In the 50s and 60s these things were
  universally preached by brethren. However
  I believe there were serious inconsistencies in
  their application.
• Which view supports the Bible as complete? (Col
  317)

44
There has been a shift in attitudes towards the
Bible

• Colossians 317 (NKJV) - And whatever you do in
  word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord
  Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through
  Him.

45
There has been a shift in attitudes towards the
Bible

• The Bible is our guide only as it specifically
  commands or prohibits things. Where the
  Bible is silent we are free to act, with the only
  limit being our conscience.

46
There has been a shift in attitudes towards the
Bible

• The Bible is our guide only as it specifically
  commands or prohibits things. Where the
  Bible is silent we are free to act, with the only
  limit being our conscience.
• The Bible is a complete and sufficient guide. We
  must have Bible authority, i.e. Book, Chapter and
  Verse, for all that we do.

47
There has been a shift in attitudes towards the
Bible

• A new generation began to express doubts in the
  50s and 60s

48
There has been a shift in attitudes towards the
Bible

• A new generation began to express doubts in the
  50s and 60s
• Where there is no pattern we have freedom to
  act.

49
There has been a shift in attitudes towards the
Bible

• A new generation began to express doubts in the
  50s and 60s
• Where there is no pattern we have freedom to
  act.
• I would rather be doing something than nothing.

50
There has been a shift in attitudes towards the
Bible

• A new generation began to express doubts in the
  50s and 60s
• Where there is no pattern we have freedom to
  act.
• I would rather be doing something than nothing.
• We will achieve greater results as long as
  brethren will go along.

51
There has been a shift in attitudes towards the
Bible

• Carnal incentives are necessary to attract
  people so we can teach them.

52
There has been a shift in attitudes towards the
Bible

• Carnal incentives are necessary to attract
  people so we can teach them.
• Times dictate that we must use these new things
  to reach others.

53
There has been a shift in attitudes towards the
Bible

• Carnal incentives are necessary to attract
  people so we can teach them.
• Times dictate that we must use these new things
  to reach others.
• Arguments made today

54
There has been a shift in attitudes towards the
Bible

• Carnal incentives are necessary to attract
  people so we can teach them.
• Times dictate that we must use these new things
  to reach others.
• Arguments made today
• We live in a rapidly changing culture.

55
There has been a shift in attitudes towards the
Bible

• Carnal incentives are necessary to attract
  people so we can teach them.
• Times dictate that we must use these new things
  to reach others.
• Arguments made today
• We live in a rapidly changing culture.
• The makeup of the church has changed.

56
There has been a shift in attitudes towards the
Bible

• The baby-boomer generation needs a different
  kind of worship than the world war two
  generation.

57
There has been a shift in attitudes towards the
Bible

• The baby-boomer generation needs a different
  kind of worship than the world war two
  generation.
• Because of video games and television we must
  have more than the Bible to keep our young
  people.

58
There has been a shift in attitudes towards the
Bible

• The baby-boomer generation needs a different
  kind of worship than the world war two
  generation.
• Because of video games and television we must
  have more than the Bible to keep our young
  people.
• There are serious problems in how the church is
  doing its work.

59
There has been a shift in attitudes towards the
Bible

• The Church of Christ has stopped growing and
  will become extinct.

60
There has been a shift in attitudes towards the
Bible

• The Church of Christ has stopped growing and
  will become extinct.
• The Church of Christ has fallen into a blind
  traditionalism. We have become like the
  Pharisees.

61
There has been a shift in attitudes towards the
Bible

• The Church of Christ has stopped growing and
  will become extinct.
• The Church of Christ has fallen into a blind
  traditionalism. We have become like the
  Pharisees.
• What is common of ALL of these arguments? Their
  Bible is closed! (Gal 110)

62
There has been a shift in attitudes towards the
Bible

• Galatians 110 (NKJV) - For do I now persuade
  men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I
  still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant
  of Christ.

63
There is a shift in attitudes towards the work
and worship of the church

• One of the first steps away from the scriptures
  in the 50s and 60s was the refusal to
  apply the principles of Bible authority to the
  work of the church.

64
There is a shift in attitudes towards the work
and worship of the church

• One of the first steps away from the scriptures
  in the 50s and 60s was the refusal to
  apply the principles of Bible authority to the
  work of the church.
• If the subject of worship was discussed, then
  Bible authority was emphasized. This was
  especially true of instrumental music.

65
There is a shift in attitudes towards the work
and worship of the church

• One of the first steps away from the scriptures
  in the 50s and 60s was the refusal to
  apply the principles of Bible authority to the
  work of the church.
• If the subject of worship was discussed, then
  Bible authority was emphasized. This was
  especially true of instrumental music.
• Church sponsored recreation has become the norm
  in these churches.

66
There is a shift in attitudes towards the work
and worship of the church

• This inconsistency would be clearly seen by those
  who apply Bible authority to the question of
  recreation.

67
There is a shift in attitudes towards the work
and worship of the church

• This inconsistency would be clearly seen by those
  who apply Bible authority to the question of
  recreation.
• What has been the result? The Bible has been
  ignored so unity can prevail.

68
There is a shift in attitudes towards the work
and worship of the church

• This inconsistency would be clearly seen by those
  who apply Bible authority to the question of
  recreation.
• What has been the result? The Bible has been
  ignored so unity can prevail.
• How has the Lord equipped the church? (Eph
  411-12)

69
There is a shift in attitudes towards the work
and worship of the church

• Ephesians 411-12 (NKJV) - And He Himself gave
  some to be apostles, some prophets, some
  evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12
  for the equipping of the saints for the work of
  ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ,

70
There is a shift in attitudes towards the work
and worship of the church

• What is the work of "apostles, prophets,
  evangelists, pastors, and teachers"?

71
There is a shift in attitudes towards the work
and worship of the church

• The church is a spiritual institution with a
  spiritual work.

72
There is a shift in attitudes towards the work
and worship of the church

• The church is a spiritual institution with a
  spiritual work.
• Jesus knew that only the power of Gods word
  could change men and build them
  up! (Jn 644-45, 26-27)

73
There is a shift in attitudes towards the work
and worship of the church

• John 644-45 (NKJV) - No one can come to Me
  unless the Father who sent Me draws him and I
  will raise him up at the last day. 45 It is
  written in the prophets, And they shall all be
  taught by God. Therefore everyone who has heard
  and learned from the Father comes to Me.

74
There is a shift in attitudes towards the work
and worship of the church

• John 626-27 (NKJV) - Jesus answered them and
  said, Most assuredly, I say to you, you seek Me,
  not because you saw the signs, but because you
  ate of the loaves and were filled. 27 Do not
  labor for the food which perishes, but for the
  food which endures to everlasting life, which the
  Son of Man will give you, because God the Father
  has set His seal on Him.

75
There is a shift in attitudes towards the work
and worship of the church

• When you view carnal incentives as a work of the
  church there will and a downward spiral that will
  end with a worldly church. (Acts 2032 1 Tim
  41-4)

76
There is a shift in attitudes towards the work
and worship of the church

• Acts 2032 (NKJV) - So now, brethren, I commend
  you to God and to the word of His grace, which is
  able to build you up and give you an inheritance
  among all those who are sanctified.

77
There is a shift in attitudes towards the work
and worship of the church

• 1 Timothy 41-4 (NKJV) - Now the Spirit
  expressly says that in latter times some will
  depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving
  spirits and doctrines of demons, 2 speaking lies
  in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared
  with a hot iron,

78
There is a shift in attitudes towards the work
and worship of the church

• 3 forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain
  from foods which God created to be received with
  thanksgiving by those who believe and know the
  truth. 4 For every creature of God is good, and
  nothing is to be refused if it is received with
  thanksgiving

79
There is a shift in attitudes towards the work
and worship of the church

• In the 60s compromises in worship it began with
  youth in Rallies and Retreats

80
There is a shift in attitudes towards the work
and worship of the church

• In these audiences it was less likely that the
  young people would object.

81
There is a shift in attitudes towards the work
and worship of the church

• In these audiences it was less likely that the
  young people would object.
• Youth Ministers thought something special was
  needed to keep the young.

82
There is a shift in attitudes towards the work
and worship of the church

• In these audiences it was less likely that the
  young people would object.
• Youth Ministers thought something special was
  needed to keep the young.
• May things would go on out of sight of the
  majority of older members.

83
There is a shift in attitudes towards the work
and worship of the church

• In these audiences it was less likely that the
  young people would object.
• Youth Ministers thought something special was
  needed to keep the young.
• May things would go on out of sight of the
  majority of older members.
• Brethren decided to use what works to add
  excitement to worship.

84
There is a shift in attitudes towards the work
and worship of the church

• Today what began among the young has now entered
  into the whole congregation.

85
There is a shift in attitudes towards the work
and worship of the church

• Today what began among the young has now entered
  into the whole congregation.
• The Pep Rally atmosphere has come to the
  assembly.

86
There is a shift in attitudes towards the work
and worship of the church

• Today what began among the young has now entered
  into the whole congregation.
• The Pep Rally atmosphere has come to the
  assembly.
• Choirs are now being used (There are called
  singing groups). Some churches are putting hidden
  microphones on the best singers! What does God
  hear?

87
There is a shift in attitudes towards the work
and worship of the church

• Hand clapping is taught with the singing.

88
There is a shift in attitudes towards the work
and worship of the church

• Hand clapping is taught with the singing.
• Sermons and other events are commonly applauded.

89
There is a shift in attitudes towards the work
and worship of the church

• Sitting under the tent at the Red River, New
  Mexico, Family Encampment June 22-26, 1996, ..
  The raucous, hand clapping, joking, laughing,
  casually-dressed crowds and speakers bore no
  resemblance to New Testament Christians in
  demeanor nor doctrine. My reaction was one of
  profound sadness and righteous anger for what
  heretics are doing to the body of Christ.

90
There is a shift in attitudes towards the work
and worship of the church

• .predictable patterns emerged in all of the
  speeches.

91
There is a shift in attitudes towards the work
and worship of the church

• .predictable patterns emerged in all of the
  speeches.
• 1) The speakers believe in the direct operation
  of the Holy Spirit.

92
There is a shift in attitudes towards the work
and worship of the church

• .predictable patterns emerged in all of the
  speeches.
• 1) The speakers believe in the direct operation
  of the Holy Spirit.
• 2) They believe and preach a subjective/experienti
  al religion.

93
There is a shift in attitudes towards the work
and worship of the church

• . Full of himself, Shipp made joke after joke
  while relating a string of personal experiences
  and saying the Holy Spirit delayed a man's flight
  in Oklahoma City so Shipp could talk with him.
  The climax of his clown-act in this three-ring
  liberal circus was the evening he had the
  audience "give God a standing ovation."

94
There is a shift in attitudes towards the work
and worship of the church

• audience "give God a standing ovation." Like
  sheep plunging into a canyon after a blind
  leader, the audience arose and clapped for God --
  all except those of us from Arapaho, Oklahoma.
  (Baling Up The Liberals, Jerry C. Brewer - Seek
  the Old Paths)

95
There is a shift in attitudes towards the work
and worship of the church

• Many churches are merging with churches within
  the Christian church denomination and are now
  using instrumental music in their worship.

96
There is a shift in attitudes towards the work
and worship of the church

• Many churches are merging with churches within
  the Christian church denomination and are now
  using instrumental music in their worship.
• The push to have women lead in the worship is now
  taking place.

97
The church that introduced me to the gospel
then and now

• I came to realize that the call to be
  undenominational was not taken seriously.

98
The church that introduced me to the gospel
then and now

• I came to realize that the call to be
  undenominational was not taken seriously.
• After leaving the Baptist church I tried to apply
  what I learned to resolving differences among
  brethren! (2 Tim 316-17)

99
The church that introduced me to the gospel
then and now

• 2 Timothy 316-17 (NKJV) - All Scripture is
  given by inspiration of God, and is profitable
  for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for
  instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of
  God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for
  every good work.

100
The church that introduced me to the gospel
then and now

• I tried to take all the verses on a given subject
  and stay within whatever that
  teaches. (Col 317, 2 Jn 9)

101
The church that introduced me to the gospel
then and now

• Colossians 317 (NKJV) - And whatever you do in
  word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord
  Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through
  Him.

102
The church that introduced me to the gospel
then and now

• 2 John 9 (NKJV) - Whoever transgresses and does
  not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have
  God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has
  both the Father and the Son.

103
The church that introduced me to the gospel
then and now

• I was shocked to find that brethren were fearful
  of such a study. Many became angry because I
  simply asked to study over an open Bible.

104
The church that introduced me to the gospel
then and now

• I was shocked to find that brethren were fearful
  of such a study. Many became angry because I
  simply asked to study over an open Bible.
• The most difficult decision I ever made
  spiritually was to leave that church.

105
The church that introduced me to the gospel
then and now

• The most difficult decision I ever made
  spiritually was to leave that church.
• 25 years later I was shocked to hear that the
  University church in had invited Tony
  Campolo to be a keynote speaker in their Youth
  in Action program.

106
The church that introduced me to the gospel
then and now

• I was stunned to hear the preachers there were
  making the very arguments that I
  had heard from the Baptist church.

107
The church that introduced me to the gospel
then and now

• I was stunned to hear the preachers there were
  making the very arguments that I
  had heard from the Baptist church.
• Even today members from the Baptist church are
  welcomed into their membership with no challenges
  to their baptism.

108
The church that introduced me to the gospel
then and now

• I asked in 1996 Should I have left the Baptist
  church? to an Abilene Christian
  University discussion list. NO ONE thought that I
  should have and many ridiculed me for doing so.

109
The church that introduced me to the gospel
then and now

• I asked in 1996 Should I have left the Baptist
  church? to an Abilene Christian
  University discussion list. NO ONE thought that I
  should have and many ridiculed me for doing so.
• Are we not far behind?

110
The church that introduced me to the gospel
then and now

• In recent months I have known several to have
  left faithful churches and become a part of the
  University church and others like it.

111
The church that introduced me to the gospel
then and now

• I have witnessed the arguments and attitudes of
  some as they openly participate in
  on-line discussion groups and post in their blogs.

112
How can we continue to practice simple New
Testament Christianity?

• We must let out focus be upon God and not upon
  the writings of men! (Ex. Preachers luncheon,
  internet outlines)

113
How can we continue to practice simple New
Testament Christianity?

• We must let out focus be upon God and not upon
  the writings of men! (Ex. Preachers luncheon,
  internet outlines)
• There is nothing wrong in asking for and
  insisting upon the truth.

114
How can we continue to practice simple New
Testament Christianity?

• We must let out focus be upon God and not upon
  the writings of men! (Ex. Preachers luncheon,
  internet outlines)
• There is nothing wrong in asking for and
  insisting upon the truth.
• Some may be like Pilate and deny any such
  possibility. (Jn 1838)

115
How can we continue to practice simple New
Testament Christianity?

• John 1838 (NKJV) - Pilate said to Him, What is
  truth? And when he had said this, he went out
  again to the Jews, and said to them, I find no
  fault in Him at all.

116
How can we continue to practice simple New
Testament Christianity?

• Are we like Pilate or like Jesus? Everyone who
  is of the truth hears my voice (Jn 1837)

117
How can we continue to practice simple New
Testament Christianity?

• It is not legalism or traditionalism to
  pursue a principled life based upon definitive
  answers found in the word of God.

118
How can we continue to practice simple New
Testament Christianity?

• It is not legalism or traditionalism to
  pursue a principled life based upon definitive
  answers found in the word of God.
• New Testament Christians would have been startled
  that anyone would ever question the need to seek
  the truth about all things God revealed.

119
How can we continue to practice simple New
Testament Christianity?

• Consider how the Apostle John described
  Christians in 2 John.

120
How can we continue to practice simple New
Testament Christianity?

• all those who have known the truth (11)

121
How can we continue to practice simple New
Testament Christianity?

• all those who have known the truth (11)
• the truth which abides in us and will be with us
  forever (12)

122
How can we continue to practice simple New
Testament Christianity?

• all those who have known the truth (11)
• the truth which abides in us and will be with us
  forever (12)
• I rejoiced greatly that I have found some of
  your children walking in truth, as we received
  commandment from the Father (14)

123
How can we continue to practice simple New
Testament Christianity?

• all those who have known the truth (11)
• the truth which abides in us and will be with us
  forever (12)
• I rejoiced greatly that I have found some of
  your children walking in truth, as we received
  commandment from the Father (14)
• John plainly wrote that we need to know if we
  are of the truth. (1 Jn 319)

124
How can we continue to practice simple New
Testament Christianity?

• 1 John 319 (NKJV) - And by this we know that we
  are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts
  before Him.

125
How can we continue to practice simple New
Testament Christianity?

• We must not be afraid of open challenges and
  controversy.

126
How can we continue to practice simple New
Testament Christianity?

• We must not be afraid of open challenges and
  controversy.
• When leaving liberalism I attempted to get others
  to open the Bible and discuss differences, nearly
  everyone refused and often with anger.

127
How can we continue to practice simple New
Testament Christianity?

• People who do not fight for the truth will not
  have it over time. (Jn 319-21)

128
How can we continue to practice simple New
Testament Christianity?

• John 319-21 (NKJV) - And this is the
  condemnation, that the light has come into the
  world, and men loved darkness rather than light,
  because their deeds were evil. 20 For everyone
  practicing evil hates the light and does not come
  to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed.

129
How can we continue to practice simple New
Testament Christianity?

• 21 But he who does the truth comes to the light,
  that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they
  have been done in God.

130
How can we continue to practice simple New
Testament Christianity?

• Are we hearing these basic truths from our
  pulpits?

131
How can we continue to practice simple New
Testament Christianity?

• Are we hearing these basic truths from our
  pulpits?
• Here is a recent e-mail from a brother

132
How can we continue to practice simple New
Testament Christianity?

• I sorted through my collection of papers and
  found your series on Institutionalism--Then and
  Now An Overview, which you preached at the
  Laceys Spring congregation several years ago.  I
  did this after hearing some sermons this past
  week.  My questions are as follows 

133
How can we continue to practice simple New
Testament Christianity?

• 2.)  What book would someone have read if they
  really thought the true practice of the 1st
  century Lords Supper was a common meal that was
  shared during the service?

134
How can we continue to practice simple New
Testament Christianity?

• 2.)  What book would someone have read if they
  really thought the true practice of the 1st
  century Lords Supper was a common meal that was
  shared during the service?
• 3.)  Should someone think a false teacher is only
  a person who has insincere motives in their
  teaching?

135
How can we continue to practice simple New
Testament Christianity?

• 4.) Should we think that non-instrumental music
  in worship is a logical and natural conclusion
  from the N.T.? 

136
How can we continue to practice simple New
Testament Christianity?

• When was the last time you hear a lesson on
  instrumental music?

137
How can we continue to practice simple New
Testament Christianity?

• When was the last time you hear a lesson on
  instrumental music?
• It is not enough to verbally oppose these things.
  We must take a stand and that will involve
  fellowship!

138
How can we continue to practice simple New
Testament Christianity?

• Who do I really want to have fellowship with?

139
How can we continue to practice simple New
Testament Christianity?

• Who do I really want to have fellowship with?
• While some say they want to be right with God,
  they in fact want to please men. (Gal
  110)

140
How can we continue to practice simple New
Testament Christianity?

• Galatians 110 (NKJV) - For do I now persuade
  men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I
  still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant
  of Christ.

141
How can we continue to practice simple New
Testament Christianity?

• While we may fool men, God knows our heart!

142
How can we continue to practice simple New
Testament Christianity?

• While we may fool men, God knows our heart!
• I have talked with men about what was right and
  what they needed to do.

143
How can we continue to practice simple New
Testament Christianity?

• While we may fool men, God knows our heart!
• I have talked with men about what was right and
  what they needed to do.
• Even though they have agreed with me, I have
  often heard the refusal to stand rationalized
  like this It is hard to do what is right!

144
How can we continue to practice simple New
Testament Christianity?

• While we may fool men, God knows our heart!
• I have talked with men about what was right and
  what they needed to do.
• Even though they have agreed with me, I have
  often heard the refusal to stand rationalized
  like this It is hard to do what is right!
• What will heaven be like?

145
How can we continue to practice simple New
Testament Christianity?

• It will be filled with men of faith who at times
  had to stand alone. (Heb 1132-38)

146
How can we continue to practice simple New
Testament Christianity?

• Hebrews 1135 (NKJV) - received their dead
  raised to life again. Others were tortured, not
  accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a
  better resurrection.

147
How can we continue to practice simple New
Testament Christianity?

• Have you heard of these men? Sethur? Gaddiel?
  Palti? Shaphat? Nahbi?

148
How can we continue to practice simple New
Testament Christianity?

• Have you heard of these men? Sethur? Gaddiel?
  Palti? Shaphat? Nahbi?
• How about these men? Caleb? Joshua?